Encore theatrical company
Morristown, Tennessee
Masterworks Series
Encore is pleased to host Broadway artists each year. Encore’s Masterworks Series was formed in 2008 to bring professionals from the industry to our area so our performers and students can work one-on-one with the artists and learn more about show business and what it takes to perform on Broadway and professional theatre. The artists lead a masterclass that consists of Encore performers performing and receiving feedback. Each artist also gives a one-night only concert that is open to the public. Our audiences and patrons get the chance to meet each artist.
Our first Masterworks Guest was Broadway actress, Cabaret singer and recording artist Liz Callaway, star of such shows as Baby, Merrily We Roll Along, Cats, and Miss Saigon. Ms. Callaway was joined by Musical Director Alex Rybeck. Mr. Rybeck is a composer, arranger, and musical director for many Broadway artists and Cabaret performers.
Liz Callaway and Musical Director Alex Rybeck in a question and answer session.
Liz Callaway coaches an actor in her masterclass.
Class participants with 2014 artist Megan Hilty.
Liz Callaway and Musical Director Alex Rybeck in a question and answer session.
In 2009, Encore welcomed husband and wife duo Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley. Marin’s Broadway credits include Ragtime, Passion, Man of La Mancha, Kiss Me Kate, and more. Jason’s Broadway credits include Curtains, The Full Monty, and Candide (Theatre World Award winner). They were both seen as husband and wife in Next to Normal. Marin and Jason were joined by Broadway musical director David Loud. Mr. Loud’s many Broadway credits include Ragtime, The Scottsboro Boys, Curtains, Master Class, and more.
In 2010, audiences were dazzled by two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster. Ms. Foster’s Broadway credits include Thoroughly Modern Mille (Tony Award),Little Women, Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone, Anything Goes (Tony Award), and Violet. She was joined by Broadway musical director and arranger Michael Rafter. Michael has music directed such Broadway shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Sound of Music, The King and I, and won a 1994 Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Musical Direction in the television adaptation of Gypsy starring Bette Midler.
2011 brought Broadway legend and Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie to the stage. Donna is best known for her role of Cassie in the record-breaking A Chorus Line, but is also known for her work in the original companies of Company, Promises Promises, State Fair, and many more. Encore was happy to welcome back Alex Rybeck as Ms. McKechnie’s Musical Director and Accompanist. She was also joined by Encore favorites Gregg Perry and Jim Pope.
2012 brought Broadway funny man Seth Rudetsky to Morristown where he taught audiences how to Deconstruct Broadway in his one-man show. A talented musician, writer, and actor, Seth is the voice of “Seth’s Big Fat Broadway” on Sirius XM’s Broadway Channel.
In 2013, we were pleased to host Tony nominee Stephanie J. Block, star of Wicked, 9 to 5, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Stephanie was joined by Musical Director Ben Cohn. Ben is the Associate Conductor of Wicked on Broadway and is also Musical Director for Clay Aiken.
2014 was a Smash of a year as Encore welcomed the star of the NBC hit show Smash Megan Hilty. Ms. Hilty’s Broadway credits include 9 to 5 and Wicked, as well as the New York Encores Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She was joined onstage by her husband Brian Gallagher and Musical Director Matt Cusson.